Even if it kills me … or my heart.
TWENTY-ONE
WADE
“Would you like a drink?” I ask Dara, touching her lightly on the small of her back.
She turns away from her conversation with Oliver’s girlfriend, Shaye. Her eyes sparkle.
“I’m sorry, Wade. What did you say? I didn’t hear you.”
I force a swallow down my throat and ignore the amused glance from Shaye. I’m sure I look like a fool. I feel like one. But it’s impossible to look at Dara without being rendered speechless.
She shines tonight. I don’t know if it’s her fucking dress that’s driving me out of my mind or the relaxed, carefree way she greets my family that keeps stealing my breath, but it takes everything in my power not to stare at her.
“Would you like a drink?” I ask again.
“No, thank you.”
I look at Shaye and ignore the grin on her face.
“Can I get you something, Shaye?”
She shakes her head.
“I’ll be right back,” I say and head to the bar. It’s only when I’m a solid ten yards away from Dara that I can breathe normally again.
I order a whiskey on the rocks and avoid conversation with the bartenders. Luckily, they’re busy and hand my drink over without too many pleasantries required.
There is a spot next to the gigantic cake, which Holt should really be ashamed of, and I tuck myself between it and the wall. I can keep an eye on Dara from here and gather myself.
I can’t relax with her here. I can’t think. Not that I was going to enjoy myself tonight anyway, but it’s impossible now.
Dara Alden possesses a quality that perturbs me. I’ve only known one other woman in my life who got under my skin, and that taught me a lesson. Don’t let people in.
It’s one I’ll never forget. And if I’m as smart as I think I am, it’ll behoove me to shut this shit down before it gets out of control.
The whiskey goes down smooth. I down the rest of it and start toward Dara when Rosie intercepts me.
“Wade!” Her little voice squeals through the greenhouse, and she bolts in my direction. “Hi, Wade!”
I brace myself for the impact that’s undoubtedly coming.
Rosie launches her body toward me and attaches herself to my leg. I look around for Jaxi or Boone, but they’re nowhere to be found.
“Hi,” I say, looking down at her.
“Hi.” She grins so wide that I think her face might split into two. “I’m so happy that you’re here. Did you see me sprinkle the flowers? They made my fingers a little red. See?”
She holds up her chunky little hand. Sure enough, her fingers are stained pink. As are my pant legs, I suspect.
“You did an excellent job,” I say, trying to extract myself from her grip. “Where are your parents?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“Let’s … separate ourselves.” I pry her right off from my leg. “And find Boone.”
“But I found you.”
“Yes, you certainly did.”
I glance up and spot Boone by the bar. He has watched this entire exchange and failed to save me.
Fucker.
“Who is this?” Dara stands next to me. “You were the flower girl, right?”
Rosie watches Dara with the skepticism most people save for politicians. She nods her head slowly.
“Rosie,” I say, “can you say hello to Dara?”
“You’re the famous Rosie.” Dara squats down to Rosie’s level. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Who are you?” Rosie asks, clutching my leg with both arms again.
“My name is Dara. I’m a friend of Wade’s.”
Rosie’s head tilts to mine. “I’m a friend of Wade’s too. I’m his best friend. Right, Wade?”
Dara giggles and stands again. “He mentioned that. He said, ‘Rosie is my best friend, but you can be my second friend, Dara.’ Didn’t you, Wade?”
“Funny,” I say. “I don’t remember that.”
Dara winks at me.
Before I can reply, the violins stop playing and a voice takes its place over the speakers hanging discreetly above.
“If everyone will take their seats, dinner service will begin shortly.”
I peel Rosie off my leg and hold her hand, keeping her far enough away from me so she doesn’t reattach herself like a fucking octopus.
“Rosie, we need to find Boone,” I say, looking through the crowd of people making their way toward the tables.
“Why?”
“It’s almost time to eat.”
“But I want to eat with you.”
Dara laughs, moving closer to my side to allow an older couple to pass. Her breast runs along my arm as she moves.
Fire bolts through my veins and congregates in my cock. My entire body flexes under my suit as I try to stay composed.
“There’s Boone,” I say through clenched teeth.
“No!” Rosie shouts. “I want to eat with you.”
Boone walks toward us as Rosie stomps her foot.
I bend down so we’re at eye level. “Hey.”
She crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. “What?”
“Why are you acting like this?” I ask her.
“Like what?”